Little Walnut Creek Greenbelt Implementation
City Council District 1
Project Summary
Little Walnut Creek Greenbelt is a recently developed park in East Austin that underwent a community-driven vision planning process in 2018 and approved in January 2019. That process identified priority projects, with trails and play areas ranking high among community-desired amenities. Austin Parks Foundation partnered with Austin Parks and Recreation to develop a new trailhead, play area, and dog off-leash area off Springdale Road. The trailhead, trails and play area are open to the public! A new drinking fountain will also be installed in Fall 2026.
Background
The Little Walnut Creek Greenbelt encompasses 206 acres of hilly, wooded terrain intersected by creeks and ravines near the intersection of 51st Street and US-183 in East Austin. More than four miles of informal trails wind through the property, which previously lacked any major improvements. Portions of the greenbelt, once zoned for commercial and residential use, were rezoned entirely for public use in 2017. In 2018, the parkland went through a significant vision planning process initiated by area residents and facilitated by the National Park Service's Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance program. Through that process, priority projects were identified, with trails and play spaces ranking high among community-desired amenities. The proposed vision plan was approved by the Parks and Recreation Board on January 22, 2019.
Project Description
Trails
In 2021, Austin Parks Foundation partnered with Austin Parks and Recreation, with support from St. David’s Foundation, to develop a trailhead on Springdale Road and improve community access to the greenbelt.
In 2023, Austin Parks Foundation and Austin Parks and Recreation received a grant from Texas Parks and Wildlife to complete approximately two miles of improvements on the existing natural trails at Little Walnut Creek Greenbelt. Texas Conservation Corps completed the first phase of trail work in 2024. The second phase focused on the southern section of the trail network and includes closing eroded trails to support habitat restoration and improve wayfinding throughout the system. A clear connection from the play area off Springdale Road to the trail connections on 51st Street has also been implemented. The second phase is now complete and open to the public!
Playground
Following approval of the vision plan in 2019, the Pecan Springs–Springdale Neighborhood Association applied for a design services grant through Austin Parks Foundation to support development of a preliminary design and layout for the play area. The plan included play equipment, nature play features, adult fitness equipment, an off-leash dog area, and trails. It was presented to the community for feedback during a virtual meeting on October 21, 2020.
After the concept plans were approved and the design documentation and permitting process were complete, construction began in Summer 2024 and was completed in Summer 2025. The new playground area off Springdale Road is now open to the public!
Project Timeline
- 2021: Virtual Community Meeting to share the updated design of the playground area
- 2022: Design documentation
- 2023: Complete permit plans and submit for the Site Plan Permit for Phase I
- Summer 2024: Receive Permit/Begin Phase I Construction
- Summer 2025: Phase I Construction Complete
- Fall 2025: Phase 2 Trail Construction Began
- Summer 2026: Estimated Phase 2 Trail Construction Complete
- Fall 2026: New Drinking Fountain Installation
Communications and Engagement
Community outreach began during the vision planning process in 2018, with a follow-up engagement effort for the trailhead project in 2020. Details can be found below.
Meetings, Surveys and Outreach
Read the Public Input Summary (PDF)
| Date | Event | Location | Materials |
| February 25, 2018 | First Public Meeting | Givens Recreation Center | Public Engagement Summary |
| April 3, 2018 | Second Public Meeting | Pecan Springs Elementary School Library | Summary of Second Public Meeting |
| September 27, 2018 | Third Public Meeting | Education Service Center Region 13, State Capitol Room | Public Meeting 3 - Presentation Public Meeting 3 - Concept Boards |
2019, Austin Parks Foundation (APF) applied to St. David's Foundation to develop a trailhead and improve some existing trails that have been carved out by bike riders and other users of this undeveloped park. There was also a desire from the community to work toward developing the playground area which needs a more detailed design to be ready for future funding and construction. APF was awarded funds for these projects and began designing the trailhead in 2019.
| Date | Event | Location | Materials |
| October 21, 2020 | Design Progress Meeting | Virtual | View presentation (PDF) Community Survey Results (PDF) |
| December 8, 2021 | Community Meeting | Virtual | Community Meeting Presentation (PDF) |
Funding and Resources
Austin Parks Foundation received funding from St. David's Foundation to create a trailhead, implement trail improvements, conduct additional community engagement and create detailed designs for a new playground area. Additional funds for the design and construction of the playground area were made available through Austin Parks Foundation Board Designated Funding, Austin Parks and Recreation parkland dedication funds, and 2018 bond funding. Funding for the trail work has been provided by Austin Parks Foundation and Texas Parks and Wildlife.
Contact Information
For additional information, contact Charles Mabry, Project Manager, at (512) 974-9481 or by email.